Galton to leave United Women this summer

The winger joined the club as a member of our first professional squad in 2018, and is one of three remaining 'originals' from that group, alongside Ella Toone and Millie Turner.

Only Toone and Turner have made more than Galton's 171 appearances for the Reds, while her 44 strikes in those matches make her the team's second-highest scorer of all time.

Leah has worn our no.11 shirt with pride and carved out an honourable legacy as a United player, which began by helping the Reds win the second-tier title in 2018/19.

In the seven seasons since, the left-footed forward has established herself as a top-level performer, becoming our leading scorer in Barclays Women's Super League history, with 35 goals.

Ten of those strikes came during a personal-best WSL campaign in 2022/23, as the team recorded its highest points tally (56) and finish (second) in the division.

Galton was then part of our squad that lifted the Adobe Women’s FA Cup – the team’s maiden piece of major silverware – in the following term, playing on after suffering a fractured tibia in the opening minutes of the final success over Tottenham Hotspur.

This season, Leah proudly represented the club in the UEFA Champions League, during our memorable first involvement in the league phase of the competition.

Leah Galton said: “I never thought I would be here for this long and still doing the thing I love doing, so I’m always proud of how far I’ve come. It’s been a journey and I’m just happy to have done it here. I know the girls will go on to do great things and I'm excited to see that.”

Head coach Marc Skinner added: “Leah has played an important part in the journey of this club. Being part of the club from the very beginning and contributing over so many years is something that’s meant a lot to us. She’s been involved in many significant moments along the way and has helped us grow into the club we are today. We’re thankful for her contribution and wish her all the very best for the future. She’ll always be part of this club’s story. Thank you, Leah.”

An ongoing back issue has prevented the winger from contributing to the United cause as she would have liked in 2026, but Leah is in training and hopes to play some part in our conclusion to the season, while saying goodbye to supporters.